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Updated over 8 years ago on . Most recent reply

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Kevin Wood
  • Investor
  • Houston, TX
267
Votes |
471
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Houston HOA Issue?

Kevin Wood
  • Investor
  • Houston, TX
Posted

Has anyone had issue with an HOA? We have a tenant that clearly reacted poorly with the HOA. I don't have the full detail, but I gather from what was sent to us. We got a letter from the HOA with multiple "violations". Including

-Grass not fully mowed (rational and we agree)

-Bike outside the house (seems nitpicky)

-Dark color on the bricks (not even noticeable in the picture and ridiculous)

-An AC unit visible on the side of the house which has been there at least 6 years

All of these are at least within view the part the REALLY bothers me is the following. The HOA went into the back yard (without permission) and found the following:

-Blue tarp folded up in the back yard 

-A row boat that is rather small (we didn't know it was there but it's very small and not a big deal for us)

-An item on the roof that looks like a small table that was blown up there (we agree with removing this)

We agree with some of these items, but I'm particularly concerned with the trespassing and identification of items that are not within the control of the HOA. Has anyone had an issue of this nature? I know that my tenant is responsible to some extent for this hostility, but am not sure how to handle this violation of privacy and reasonableness.

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Chris T.
  • Investor
  • Downers Grove, IL
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Chris T.
  • Investor
  • Downers Grove, IL
Replied

THE HOA could be your best ally or worst enemy. Have you dealt with this HOA in the past with other tenants?

I bought a property via auction, with a list of violations like yours. Including the shed in the backyard. I explained my full situation and fortunately they were very understanding. And got an extension and guidelines to resolve the issues. 

Unfortunately you don't want to get into their bad side. It may even be a power trip with some of these guys. Call them and discuss the issues. And how they can "give you" guidelines to resolve. Let them understand you're on their side/vice versa, and hopefully they can be helpful in resolving some of these issues.

Then work with the tenant. Your tenants are going to change, but the HOA board, probably not.

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